Really dumb question

[matcawth]

Just bought a 1997 C250TD auto estate - first Merc. It came with "Interior" and "Exterior" but no "Driving" Handbood. Next to the gear stick is a W/S button. Now this means Winter/Summer - or could it possibly mean Wirtschaftlich/Sportlich? (But I don't think it's an import). Please shed some light.

 

[Koolvin]

Winter - Summer

 

[Shude]

Winter - Summer

Winter - Standard

If you have a facelift model you should have a 5 speed electronic auto, which has Winter and Standard modes. Winter mode is really only for use in very bad weather such as heavy rain, snow and ice. It shifts very early and IIRC starts you off in 2nd gear. W also has a different reverse gear to S

 

[rirhill]

Having said that don t expect W mode to get you out of the snow in the winter as we all know. It is how handy in the wet to reduce the wheelspin along with the other gizmos.

Cheers
Ian

 

[Shude]

Having said that don t expect W mode to get you out of the snow in the winter as we all know. It is how handy in the wet to reduce the wheelspin along with the other gizmos.

I found that W simply made the car lose traction in slow motion when compared to S. In future I will apply the parking brake slightly when trying to pull away in snow or ice, or when trying to climb a snowy hill, that way hopefully the braking action will reduce the amount of torque being put down by the back wheels.

 

[matcawth]

Thanks for the advice guys. The car seems to be driving much better now that it's in the summer mode - funny, that!